Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Quincy
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. Here are the most widespread ones for Quincy residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Quincy receives, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't cover.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation company doesn't have to be complicated. We encourage you to jot down what you desire most in a provider, then evaluate each provider on your selection against these characteristics.
Licensing and Experience
According to the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, foundation repair companies need at least a Home Improvement Contractor license to work in the commonwealth. For larger jobs and work that requires subcontracting, they'll also need a Construction Supervisor's License. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about what local codes apply to your project, how the company inspects foundations, and how its team will draft plans and pull permits.
One of the most effective ways to assess a company's reputation is to browse its website. Look for the company's history and what credentials its team holds. Many prominent companies provide educational content for future customers.
Customer Reviews
We recommend checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a high customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have shared satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company handles them. If the management team consistently and proactively resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has an abundance of negative feedback, and doesn't communicate effectively, you should think twice about working with it.
Finally, we encourage you to search additional sites, such as Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in Quincy
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be fixed. For minor foundation fracturing and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the average cost falls at about $2,900. More intricate projects requiring excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800+. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $340 |
Leak Repair | $2,714 |
Stabilization | $4,689 |
Underpinning | $1,303 |
Waterproofing | $2,996 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Quincy
How much does foundation repair cost in Quincy?
What's the most popular foundation type in Quincy?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for cracks, and repair any issues immediately.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)